Disclaimer—I hate doing this, but it must be done. I do-not-own-Hellsing. That honorable pleasure belongs to Mr. Kohta Hirano, not me.
Notes—Hello. I am back folks. Thank you for all the reviews, so please give me more. Ha. I also wanted to thank you all for your patience. I wanted at least a week before I posted the next chapter and besides I had some sensitive family issue to attend. This chapter was fun. I hate Maxwell and I love to hate him. It's healthy, you know.Synopsis—As the Hellsing House adjusts with Iscariot invading on their home turf… the intension between them escalates. War begins to erupt.
This one is slightly short. I promise that the next one is longer. More intense.
TWO
Feuding Houses--London, England
--The Hellsing Agency Headquarters
--Subbasement of the Hellsing estate
--Alucard's dominion
--1:15pm
What ill luck!!"Iscariot here?" Seras whispered in a soft voice. Her wide crimson-blood eyes stared at Walter and Alucard. Together they gave her blank expressions, as if her worries and concerns did not trouble them but rather bored them. The No-Life King yawned. She huffed a short and humorous laugh. "No. No, you are horrible liars." Walter raised a brow and stiffly crossed his arms. "You're not lying. OH! But Integra hates Iscariot, especially Maxwell. You can smell the hatred from them."
"Sir Integra is under specific orders," explained Walter. "Actually all of us are."
She frowned. "What? I don't get it." Seras stepped forward and placed a concerned arm on his shoulder. Her red eyes spelled trouble. "Walter…whatever is going on? Hellsing was released and Integra pardoned."
"Not quite, Miss Victoria." Walter pulled away, taking her hand and holding it a moment too long. "The Hellsing Organization is under investigation."
Blinking Seras smirked. "By Iscariot? That's hardly what I call a fair trail."
Alucard chuckled. He sat down at his chair, toying the glass of blood sitting on the arm by tracing the rim with his index finger. The No-Life King seemed rather bored with the turn of events, but, in truth, he was not the least surprised. Iscariot and Hellsing under the same roof. This shall be interesting. Very intriguing. Regrettably his behavior would be monitor by his master, the fallen Sir Integra Hellsing. No more late night-talks between the Master and the Monster, instead there would nothing more than religious scriptures and examination. How incredibly dull. At least Anderson was present, and smiling Alucard would taste the battles yet to come.
Integra would be extremely cautious, especially with the new threat Maxwell carried around. If Integra refused to cooperate with the Vatican authorities, the Protestant maiden would be deprived of her eggs and then become sterile through surgery. Better than yet, Maxwell would father the proceeding Hellsing heir. What a sad child. Hellsing needs a strong heir to master me. It was truly pathetic. Cocky Catholic bastards! Father Maxwell was relishing the taste of power. He loved it and like a drug, the Director craved more.
Much more.
Walter had come down to share the news, waking Alucard from his slumber. Actually he was already awake. Inside his beloved coffin the Nosferatu had sensed a familiar essence enter the Hellsing manor—that vile Catholic warthog Enrico Maxwell and his Vatican-whipping boy, Father Alexander Anderson. He felt that Integra was in the library. The vampire would have to pay a visit soon. That will be enjoyable, if not suicidal. Her anger was like liquid fire, an intoxicating drug and as sweet as her blood.
Beside him his fledging chewed on her nails.
Seras's nervousness was just plain annoying.
Perhaps Anderson's threats will coax her out of it.
A voice interrupted his thoughts, "Alucard?"
He raised an inky black eyebrow and hummed.
"Were you not listening?"
"Partly," he confessed. "Not really."
Seras leaned on his shoulder and inquired, "Master. Are you not concerned about Iscariot? I mean, at least worried about them?"
Alucard took a sip of his blood, a bit disappointed at its favor. The renewal of the Hellsing Seals had been greatly postponed due to Integra's surgery, recovery and the Tower of London incident. "No. In fact Police-Girl I am looking forward to it."
Police-Girl watched the glass and pulled her eyes away from it. She whispered softly, "You would."
Walter closed his eyes, shook his head and warned, "Sir Integra wants you on your best behavior." Goody. "She means it. No death threats, no suggestive comments and no battles with the Paladin." Or at least none that she has to know about. What she doesn't know, cannot kill her.
"I thought the Judas at the Round Table was silenced," noted the young vampire, furrowing her brow.
The old Butler heaved a sigh. He struggled his shoulders and replied plainly, "He was not discovered. It has been concluded that the Judas lies within Hellsing."
Seras raged. "Bollocks!"
The Butler rolled his eyes, since she was such a drama-queen. Walter wondered if she ever participated in any school plays or musicals. Seras was constantly fidgeting. What a nervous wreak. The Angel of Death never did get a pleasing answer from Alucard—why on earth did he make her into a vampire? It was too whimsy, even for him. Too human. "Miss Victoria, please calm yourself."
In defeat, Victoria lowered her shoulders. "Hellsing is being framed. Poor Sir Integra. She must feel so abandoned."
I don't think that it's abandonment she feels. More like rage.
Alucard grinned darkly.
Walter adjusted his new bifocal. "Miss Victoria you must understand something. During its existence, the Hellsing Organization has gathered many enemies, many within our own ranks—including Iscariot and some members of the Royal Order. Even Parliament."
"Sounds like my old high school. Everyone backstabbing each other." Alucard smiled at that. He wondered how she fit in at school. A prep, or a nerd? Was that the lingo now a day? She licked her lips and asked in a soft voice, "What about our investigation? I mean with Iscariot here—"
Alucard answered, "We just have to be even more cautious."
The Angel of Death nodded. "That's our remedy—caution and precision. The plan at the Blood Bar is on scheduled regardless of what happens form here on. It starts that day after tomorrow." Walter paused and then added in a softer tone, "Alucard. Integra wants to see you at 2:30 sharp…renewal of the bonds." The No-Life King heaved a pleasurable sigh and he licked his chops, drooling at the thought.
His precious and yet annoying fledging interrupted his thoughts.
"No. Oh no! This is bad! Very bad!" Seras blurted, "Captain Bernadette doesn't know." Crap-knuckles. He's French and has a short tempter. "Neither do the Wild Geese."
Alucard smiled and purred. "Not for long."
Relief came to her. "Good. Who's going to explain to him?"
Her Master purred wickedly, "Why…you are Police-Girl."
"WHAT?"
"I think you need some alone time with the Frenchman. You two aren't 'getting along.' I think you will find him and the Wild Geese down in the subbasement. Most likely at the armory. They still want to test of their equipment at sunset. Preparing for the day after tomorrow."
Walter smirked. "Maxwell won't be thrilled about the fireworks."
Alucard loaded a chamber into his gun. "The Devil with Maxwell. I'll deal with the Paladin."
Walter stopped him, "NO you won't. 'No battles with the Paladin.' Sir Integra is serious. She gave me a supply of silver and garlic, so if you disobey, I will lace your blood with them. Don't think that I won't. 'Until the Blood-Bar you are merely an ever-obedient and house broken pet. Forever eager to please your Master. Obey,' those are her exact words. Integra will explain that the Wild Geese are privately employed simply for protection. The Hellsing vampires have no duty involving ghouls or supernatural threats."
Police-Girl rolled her eyes and remarked under her breath, "Basically we are unemployed."
The Butler continued, "And all SAS and MI-5 agents have been dismissed from the estate."
"That's as fair as any lie." Alucard looked at Seras and cried out, "Police-Girl! Get moving. Find Captain Bernadette and the Wild Geese. Tell them everything—Iscariot and the Blood Bar. You know what to do. Don't give me that look. I'll chew it off. MOVE!!!"
She raced out of the room towards the armory. Seras could hear his rambling laughter. "I love this…I love war and chaos!! Don't you Master, my Countess?"
OoO
After a while she stopped running and walked. "Balls! That is crap! Totally unfair. It's unfair!!" Seras Victoria stormed through the corridor. She rarely cursed and whenever she did, it sounded terrible. Her scarlet eyes fumed enraged. In spite of her undead status her cheeks flushed. Report and inform Captain Pip Bernadette and the Wild Geese about Iscariot. What? When did she become a messenger? An errand dog? An animalistic growl rumbled from her throat. Wasn't that what a Butler was for? No. That was too cruel. Walter was good man, not a slave. Alucard was a slave.
Behind her four shadowed figures emerged from the darkness and studied the raging vampire with some interest. Police-Girl lifted a fist towards the ceiling and yelled, "I hope you can hear me Master. You suck! Completely suck, I mean that literally!!"
She paused and waited. No answer. Of course not, you silly thing. He's not going to reply. "I really don't like you right now, Master."
A voice whispered in her mind, "Deal with it."
Master Alucard. There was a hint of amusement in his tone.
Seras whispered, "I hope Integra fills your head with silver."
"No doubt she will. By the way I love your spunk! It's about time!"
Seras clenched her knuckles turning them white.
Still the figures approached.
"Go to Hell!"
His laughter rumbled from the walls of her head. "Been there, done that. I rather found it quiet lovely."
Police Girl covered her hand over her ears. "I can't hear you. Blah…blah. Yadda. Yadda." She jumped up and down. "I can't hear you. I can't hear you. I can't hear you."
An Irish voice purred behind her. "Well…well isn't it the wee Draculina."
Seras knew that voice anywhere and she wished that she was dreaming. No. This was reality. The sound and presence of it filled her with mortal dread and pure terror. Seras stopped and turned around very slowly. Sure enough it was Anderson the Paladin. The Judas-Priest was leaning against the dungeon wall, arms defiantly crossed and one eyebrow raised. He had that terrible smile on his handsome face and he literally looked like a mad-priest.
She groaned, "It's you…" Seras cleared her throat and replied jokingly, "Blast! I have such ill luck."
His smile vanished. "Indeed, you Hellsing-dog."
Just like old times. "You know, your insults are pretty old. I don't call you names, so do me a favor and extend me the same courtesy."
Anderson hissed, "Not in a thousand years, heathen. In fact before this dilemma is over, I plan on burying you and your Master. Iscariot will salt the earth with your dust."
"Ah…you must be the Police-Girl, Miss Seras Victoria," a voice purred from the darkness. The man emerged, his leeching face appearing in the overhead light—emerald-stone eyes, silver-hair and long, thin and lanky frame. It was Enrico Maxwell, Director of Iscariot. Things totally suck. "Am I right in my assumption, Father Anderson?" The Paladin nodded. "This is Miss Seras Victoria."
Victoria smiled a little. Perhaps Maxwell wasn't that bad; after all he seemed mild mannered, even kind. But there was something unsettling about his grin.
Father Renaldo fumbled through the sacks of folders in his arms. He pulled the one labeled: 'Miss Seras Rose Victoria,' handed it to the Director. Maxwell put on a pair of glasses and looked through it, flipping through the pages. "Let me see. Seras Rose Victoria…daughter of Inspector Lewis Fredrick Victoria of Scotland Yard… and Eve Dawn. Orphaned." Seras gasped. No. No, no, no. That's nobody's business. "Graduated…Commissioned into the D-11…declared MIA in the Cheddar incident…" He smirked and handed the file back. "Nothing impressive. I don't know what you see Father Anderson. Nothing but a recent bride of The No-Life King, or his whore."
That struck a nerve. "I'm a virgin, you tweet," and then she said softer, "Besides I am more like a daughter than a lover." Anyone in the Hellsing manor could tell that the fledging had a slight crush on her Master. It was not uncommon. An intimate relation between a sire and childe was not unheard.
Maxwell smirked doubtfully at her, his eyes examining her chest. "Just like the Master of Monster. Don't play games with me, silly girl. I would not be surprised if Alucard was kept for more carnal reasons."
He wishes.
"Indeed I do."
"Sir Integra is also a virgin." Seras whispered harshly, "Stop getting in the conversation, Master."
Maxwell frowned. "What was that?"
"Nothing." Seras warned, "I would be careful Mr. Maxwell. Remember, the last time you insulted Sir Integra… Alucard was not pleased. We wouldn't want to repeat the experience. Besides his room is just down the hall. He can hear you."
The Director paled.
Not so tough now.
Seras took a moment to study the other two people—both women, one dressed as a nun wearing oversized glasses and the second dressed as a priest, a cigarette hanging off her lips. She remembered seeing the Priest known as Father Renaldo. One…two, three, four…and five. Five Iscariot. This cannot be good. Master is going to love this. Seras could already see a battle, if not war. Police-girl raised up her hands. "Wait a minute. Hold the phone. I thought it was just going to be Father Anderson and you, Mr. Maxwell."
Maxwell leered, "You thought wrong."
"Apparently…so who are these other people? I don't recognize you. I have only met Father Anderson—well I have met him twice. I don't know you two." The women recoiled, staring the fledging.
"Introductions will be later…when Iscariot and Hellsing sit down for a nice long chat," he explained.
"Or more like another World War," noted Seras. Anderson glared at her, his hands tightening on his blessed-blades.
A voice called out, "Yo Police-Girl!"
No. No no. It was Captain Pip Bernadette! Great. Just great. As if things can't any worse. "Captain. I thought you were the armory."
"Yes, I was. I heard someone yelling. Hey! That was you." He was surprised at her concern, even flattered. Pip beamed, smiling and gave her a wink. "Were you coming to visit me, love? Want to see me, sweet-cheeks. My sugar pie honey bunch."
"No. Sir Integra sent me to you."
His eyes widen in excitement. "As payment."
"NO. You stupid git!! Please, don't make me bite you. Get your head out of your arse." She grabbed him by his hideous scarf and whispered harshly, "I have something important to tell you about certain upcoming events. And specific people. Now, where the bloody-hell are your men? Still in the armory?" Pip nodded. "Good. Let's get going. The sooner the better."
Maxwell studied the Frenchman, his curiosity mounting to another level. "And pray tell me, Miss Police-Girl, who is this chap?"
"I am not Police-Girl. I have a name, its Seras Victoria." Seras reminded dryly, "Introductions later, Mr. Maxwell. Remember. Now if you excuse me, I have some business to take care of…Good day gentlemen…and ladies. I'll see you around." She waved goodbye and head down the corridor with Pip on her arm.
Pip raised an eyebrow at her and asked meekly, "Who the hell was that? He looks creepy, almost like a leech."
The fledging laughed and whispered softly, "You really don't want to know. Trust me, you don't."